EALL, 13-14 September 2010
CIAJ-Conference ‘Re-imaging the Law: Legislative Drafting Redefined’, 13-14 September 2010, Ottawa (Canada)

The Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of justice for all Canadians. Since its inception in 1974, the CIAJ has kept a critical eye on our justice system and explored cutting-edge issues likely to improve the administration of justice and preserve a strong and independent judiciary. CIAJ is a place of meeting and reasoned debate on issues of interest to people and organizations concerned with the administration of justice.

This conference was organized by the CIAJ Legislative Drafting Committee chaired by Ms Judith Keating, Q.C., the Chief Legislative Counsel of New Brunswick.

The event focussed on how the evolving legal concepts of a diverse community are redefining legislatieve drafting. Those entrusted with preparing draft legislation bring specialized knowledge and understanding to their creation. In response to a growing environment, they are further called upon to integrate the new and broader concept of an evolving global community.
Within that context, particular topics were addressed, such as the value and contributions of the legislatieve drafter to the intricate fabric of legislation; the professional and ethical dimensieons of the drafter within a modern, complex work environment; the evolving legal, cultural and language issues that must be considered and integrated into legislation. On balance, those subjects redefine the way legal  drafters draft.

The conference included workshops with a focus on practical drafting issues as they relate to English, French and Aboriginal languages.
Conference participants came away with a better understanding of how legislation is being redefined in broad terms to adapt to an ever changing environment and how the drafting profession is responding to re-imaging of the law.

Chris Moll, EALL's director witnessed this exciting conference. It provided the EALL with valuable insight in how Canadian professionals in legislation come to terms with the new challenges facing drafting practices, and how an 'education permanente' for  this professional 'guild' is being supported.